Neologisms

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Neologisms

Neologisms are words or phrases that are invented to describe either new things or to give a new name to an old idea. Neologisms occur in the English language very frequently.

ExampleNeologisms may become accepted language or disappear through lack of use, but recent examples include analysis, paralysis, WMDs, VJ, bimmers and no-fly list.

In the classroomThere are many ways neologisms are created and this can be an interesting area for learners to work on. Neologisms are formed, for example, by blending, by borrowing from other languages, from acronyms and from affixes.